A photogrammetric technique for developing boundary equations for flexible sheath waterless trap seals as used in building drainage systems

Abstract

The water trap seal is still the main method of protecting building inhabitants from the ingress of foul contaminated air and noxious gases from the sewer. This seal can become compromised when water is lost in the trap by processes including evaporation and siphonage from excessive system suction pressures. A recent innovation is the waterless trap seal, which uses flexible sheaths, typically made from silicone rubber to form the seal. The sheath opens in response to a sub-atmospheric air pressure and will shut tightly under a supra-atmospheric pressure in order to form a seal. Full system numerical modelling of building drainage systems has offered insight into system responses to pressure transients and has opened up the evaluation of building wastewater systems to predictive modelling which has assisted in producing improvements to public health. A requirement of any predictive model is a mathematical representation of the physical characteristics of the system. This research develops a technique for developing boundary equations so that predictive modelling is possible. We combine photographic and pressure data analysed by Fourier analysis to develop the model. The technique is applicable to any device were the fluid structure interaction plays a significant role in its operation.